binding

1 of 3

noun

bind·​ing ˈbīn-diŋ 

1

: the action of one that binds

2

: a material or device used to bind: such as

a

: the cover and materials that hold a book together

b

: a narrow fabric used to finish raw edges

c

: a device that holds a boot firmly to a ski or snowboard

binding

2 of 3

adjective

1

: that binds

2

: imposing an obligation

bindingly

ˈbīn-diŋ-lē 

adverb

bindingness noun

binding

3 of 3

present participle of bind entry 1

Examples of binding in a Sentence

Noun

a carpet edged with canvas binding

The bindings have started to come loose.

Adjective

The contract is legally binding.

The parties agreed to settle the dispute through binding arbitration.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In a collaboration with U of A mechanical engineer Wan Shou, Cole McCallum harnessed a specialized method of 3D printing to manufacture LEGO-esque bricks from lunar dust, no binding required. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 10 Nov. 2026

In 1819 a new binding for the manuscript was made by a Swedish bookbinder. — Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026

Adjective

The union then sought recommendations from a special magistrate — appointed to evaluate proposals from both sides and issue non-binding recommendations. — Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Nov. 2026

The MoU is non-binding, and the money, the shooting schedule and how the co-production will be structured have yet to be settled. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing binding

• adhesive binding
• binding energy
• binding site
• perfect binding
• spiral binding

Rhymes for binding

• blinding
• finding
• grinding
• minding
• winding
• bookbinding
• factfinding
• nonbinding
• rebinding
• regrinding
• reminding
• rewinding

Kids Definition

binding

noun

bind·​ing

ˈbīn-diŋ

1

: the cover and fastenings of a book

2

: a narrow strip of fabric used along the edge of an article of clothing

Legal Definition

binding

adjective

1

: imposing a legal obligation

the agreement is binding on the parties

2

: requiring submission to a specified authority

the suppression order was binding on the Department of Transportation

—National Law Journal